SiC Growth by Laser CVD and Process Analysis

by Mi, Jian

Abstract (Summary)

The goal of this research is to investigate how to deposit SiC material from methyltrichlorosilane (MTS) and H2 using the LCVD technique. Two geometries were targeted, fiber and line. In order to eliminate the volcano effect for LCVD-SiC deposition, a thermodynamics model was developed to check the feasibility and determine the deposition temperature ranges that will not cause the volcano effect, theoretically. With the aid of the thermodynamic calculations and further experimental explorations, the processing conditions for SiC fibers and lines without volcano effect were determined. The experimental relationships between the volcano effect and the deposition temperatures were achieved. As for the SiC lines, the deposition conditions for eliminating volcano effect were determined with the help of surface response experiment and the experience of SiC fiber depositions. The LCVD process of SiC deposition was characterized by performing a kinetic study of SiC deposition. The deposits were characterized by the means of polishing, chemical etching, and SEM technique. A coupled thermal and structural model was created to calculate the thermal residual stress present in the deposits during the deposition process and during the cooling process. Laser heating of LCVD system was studied by developing another model. The transient temperature distribution within the fiber and substrate was obtained. The theoretical relationships between the laser power and the fiber heights for maintaining constant deposition temperatures were achieved.